INSIGHTS FROM @DOGE ON X FOR THOSE FEELING FEARFUL AND UNCERTAIN
As we enter the fourth week of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, from February 10 to 16, 2025, the pace of changes continues to accelerate. DOGE’s actions, shared on X via @DOGE, include significant contract terminations, policy adjustments, and transparency efforts aimed at increasing efficiency. This blog post, backdated to February 17, 2025, covers February 10 to 13, helping you understand what’s happening and why it might matter to you as someone who values social programs and inclusion.
Daily Breakdown
Here’s what happened each day, based on @DOGE’s X posts, and what it could mean for you.
February 10, 2025 – Day 22: Agriculture and Education Contract Terminations
What Happened:
- The Department of Agriculture terminated 18 contracts totaling ~$9mm, focusing on those for gender assessment and forest gender consultant services.
- The Department of Education terminated 29 DEI training grants totaling $101mm, one of which aimed to train teachers on understanding oppression and recognizing privilege.
- The Department of Education also terminated 89 contracts worth $881mm, including a $1.5mm contract for observing mailing and clerical operations.
What It Means for You: The termination of contracts related to gender assessment and DEI training might concern you, but now is also time to rethink the massive dept our country is in, and cancelling contracts has to happen to keep America afloat. The cancellation of a contract for observing mailing operations suggests that some cuts are aimed at reducing unnecessary administrative expenses, which is usually a very good thing.
February 11, 2025 – Day 23: VA and Federal Employee Retirements
What Happened:
- The VA app for benefits and medical was updated to remove gender preference options, with @DOGE posting, “Fixed. The Gender Identity section has been deleted,” in response to a concern about listing options for gender preferences.
- Federal employee retirements are still processed using paper in an old limestone mine, a process that is inefficient and costly, as noted in the X post: “Federal employee retirements are processed using paper, by hand, in an old limestone mine in Pennsylvania. 700+ mine workers operate 230 feet underground to process ~10,000 applications per month, which are stored in manila envelopes and cardboard boxes. The retirement process takes multiple months.” (with pictures).
How to See It: The outdated retirement processing system (pictured above) highlights an area where modernization could lead to significant savings and efficiency improvements, potentially benefiting future retirees. The removal of gender preference options in the VA app aligns with recent policy shifts, which might be a point of contention for those who worked to get those preferences into applications.
February 12, 2025 – Day 24: International and Domestic Contract Cancellations
What Happened:
- Secretary Kristi Noem recovered FEMA funds misallocated to NYC migrant hotels, and @DOGE quoted it saying, “Amazing job by @Sec_Noem @DHSgov.”
- A $25,000 award for supporting LGBTQIA+ refugees in Greece was cancelled, with the X post noting, “While looking into this, the team identified a $25,000 award entitled “Empowering LGBTQIA+ Refugees in Greece” with the description “To provide material, legal and psychological support to LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers and refugees; inform and raise awareness of civil society on issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.” It has now been cancelled. The cancellation referred to this: Greek MP @e_fragkos is requesting @DOGE and Elon Musk to inform them about US funds to Greek NGOs reserving luxury hotels for illegal migrants.”
- 58 contracts were cancelled with savings of >$150M, including those for resilience and DEIA program support, as per the X post: “Today’s contract update: 58 cancellations with savings of >$150M in categories including Media, DEI, and Consulting. This includes $405K at DHS for “resilience, energy, and sustainability management program support services” and ~4M at DoT for “DEIA program and project management support services”.”
- EPA cancelled 3 DEI contracts, saving $45M, with @DOGE posting, “Awesome job by @epaleezeldin @EPA. EPA also cancelled 3 DEI contracts, saving American taxpayers $45M,” in response to Lee Zeldin’s post about cancelling EPA’s Politico and Politico E&E membership, saving $458,919 per year.
- @DOGE launched their new website, with the X post: “DOGE website is live! https://doge.gov Initial site: 1. X feed posts 2. Consolidated government org chart – enormous manual effort consolidating 16,000+ offices 3. Summary of the massive regulatory state, including the Unconstitutionality Index (ratio of rules written by unelected bureaucrats to laws passed by Congress) Coming soon (targeting Valentines Day): 1. Description/amount of each cost reduction (w/ receipts where applicable) 2. Overall savings scorecard We will constantly be working to maximize the site’s utility and transparency. Please let us know what else you want to see!”
Why It’s Worth Watching: The recovery of FEMA funds and cancellation of specific awards indicate a focus on ensuring that tax dollars are spent in alignment with national interests and priorities. While some might see these actions as necessary, others may view them as restrictive, especially concerning support for people who are genuine refugees and had no where else to go. The new DOGE website offers a chance to see transparency in action, with features like the government org chart and cost reductions, which could help you stay informed.
February 13, 2025 – Day 25: Education and Contract Updates
What Happened:
- The Department of Education terminated grants to the four “Equity Assistance Centers” totaling $33M, one of which provided training on critical race theory, as per the X post: “The Department of Education terminated grants to the four “Equity Assistance Centers” totaling $33M. One provided “professional learning around critical race theory and racial literacy”.
- 167 contracts were cancelled with savings of ~$115M, including a contract for equity assessments at HHS, as noted in the X post: “Today’s contract update: 167 cancellations with savings of ~$115M, including a $2.23M contract for HHS for “equity assessments of existing program policies”.”
What’s at Play Here: The focus on cancelling contracts that assess equity could be part of a broader effort to redefine or streamline these programs, potentially freeing up funds for other priorities. Still, when we need to reduce the national debt, we should expect a lot of contract terminations.
Finding Your Footing—What You Can Do
Part 1 of Week 4 saw DOGE continuing its mission with contract terminations, policy adjustments, and transparency efforts, including launching a new website. If you’re concerned about the impact on your life, here’s how to stay engaged:
- Stay Informed: Follow @DOGE on X for direct updates and check out the new website at DOGE Website for transparency features.
- Connect: Share your thoughts with like-minded communities to process these changes together.
- Check Back: “DOGE Diaries” will keep you updated every Monday, with Part 2 coming soon for February 14-16.
A Bit of Reassurance
From contract cuts to website launches, Part 1 of Week 4 shows DOGE’s commitment to efficiency and openness. While some changes may be unsettling, staying informed and engaged can help you navigate these shifts. Remember, your understanding and input can shape the future direction of these reforms.
DOGE Diaries: Your Weekly Guide to Government Efficiency Updates
What's Up Doge? 
Leave a comment